To Talk or To Type? – That is the Question!
Are you inundated with emails? So much so that you, and people in your workplace, start a conversation with how many unread emails you have in your inbox? What is that about? As you stand at the street corner, bus stop, in the Metro/Bart train — you name it — everyone is looking down at some sort of electronic device (or in my case at a newspaper – I know I could probably get it electronically but I don’t – to tell the truth I also still read books (with paper pages)). What are we losing or gaining by a world in which typing prevails over conversation?
What kinds of relationships do you want? What quality do you want in those relationships? Or is it all about “efficiency?” Is this really efficient? It does make it more convenient because you can respond in your own time rather than in the moment when the person walks up to you, or calls you on the phone (although here there is voice mail). I often refer my clients to the Executive Compass to reflect on the decisions they make. Sometimes it is about efficiency, however, what might you be losing in terms of your team or partners?
I am often surprised, and curious, when I observe a string of emails going between two people who are right around the corner from each other, often in adjacent cubicles. What might be gained by a conversation with someone? There are the words, and in addition there are the possibility for connections, understanding, clarity in the moment, empathy, and respect that can be gained by talking with an individual or group. Many of those nuances are missed when we type. Typing is largely one-dimensional. Interpretations of intent often occur and take a greater time investment to undo when we interpret without context and clarity in the moment. When we speak to a person additional information is provided during that conversation. It is even better when we can see them, while hearing someone (without seeing them) can provide more information than only the written word. This is about balance and tradeoffs. Please consider the effects when you chose to type or talk.
